Page 55 (1/2)

“Bail refused,” said the judge, and brought his hammer down “This court is adjourned until Monday the seventeenth”

“All rise”

Mr Justice Abernathy winked at Fletcher as he left the courtroom

Thirty-four ht that he had not only broken his personal best, but had ed sixth place in the university trials, and was therefore certain to be picked for the opening ainst Boston University

As Nat cooled down, and went through his usual stretching routine, Toratulations,” he said, “and my bet is that by the end of the season, you’ll have knocked another minute off your time”

Nat stared at the sour red scar on the back of his leg as he pulled on his sweat-pants “Why don’t we have dinner tonight,” continued To I need to discuss with you before I go back to Yale”

“Can’t an to stroll across to the locker rooot a date”

“Anyone I know?”

“No,” said Nat, “but as it’s my first for months, I have to admit I’m quite nervous”

“Captain Cartwright nervous? Whatever next?” mocked Tom

“That’s the problem,” admitted Nat “She thinks I’m a cross between Don Juan and Al Capone”

“She sounds like a good judge of character,” said Tom “So tell me all about her”

“There’s not that much to tell We ran into each other on the top of a hill She’s bright, ferocious, quite beautiful, and thinks I’m a bastard” Nat then recounted their conversation outside the dining hall

“Ralph Elliot obviously got his version in first,” said Tom

“To hell with Elliot Do you think I should wear a jacket and tie?”